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Lumbar Radiculopathy (“Sciatica”) and Herniated Disc

Lumbar radiculopathy (also known as “sciatica”) is term used to describe radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by inflammation or pinching of a spinal nerve in the lower back. Lumbar radiculopathy can result from a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or stenosis (narrowing) of the lumbar spine.

Radiculopathy

Radiating leg pain or numbness from an inflamed or pinched spinal nerve

Also called “sciatica”

Can be caused by stenosis, disc degeneration, or disc herniation

Herniated Disc

Tear in the outer wall (annulus) of the disc allows the inner gel (nucleus) to protrude into the spinal canal

Natural History (“Doing Nothing”)

Not all disc herniations cause symptoms

Symptoms may resolve without treatment

Herniated material may dissolve over time

“Cauda Equina Syndrome”

Rare

Loss of bowel and bladder function due to pressure an all of the nerves running through the spinal canal